Can i use synthetic knitting wool?

[gerbilpower]

Hi evryone!
I was resently knitting and i though, Hey why not make a hamic for my gerbils! So i did it and when i was done it actuly looked pretty good.  But i wasent sure if this was safe.  The wool i used was very soft and cozy (witch is why i though of using it) synthetic yarn.  Dose anyone know if this is safe?

Thanks! Megan



Picture of wool: photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipOczoj13WvKP08rHVfH5htoQso6zrtoQmpfjsLQ


Picture of hamic: photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipNi8AikEpnv5pFduwihYYut_tfNeawCCyHvx9CK


Other picture of hamic: photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipNEVlVwsIgZXKQr060Ueu1pljQgkhu7LZDmB4ty

[barryozzy]

I can't see the pictures, but usually it is not a good idea to use yarn or string with gerbils. If they chewed it up they might swallow some or get tangled up. I definitely wouldn't leave it in their cage, but it would probably be fine if you were supervising them to make sure they didn't chew it or anything. It might be especially bad to chew being synthetic, in case it is made from something that isn't nontoxic.

[gerbilpower]

Thanks for the advice Barryozzy

[LilyandDaisy]

I wouldn't use it unsupervised because synthetic wools have very strong, stretchy fibres which can wrap round tightly round limbs or toes.

You could use fleece to make hammocks since it has no threads but any other fabric I would avoid inside the cage, especially the synthetic ones.

[PipSqueak]

barryozzy and LilyandDaisy are correct. I wouldn’t use it because it can get stuck around their limbs and if they ingest it, it can cause a blockage in their intestines. My friend got me a banana hammock for Christmas last year and once they saw it, they started chewing on it so I immediately took it away. It could be used during free roaming/play time but I wouldn’t keep it in there, and take it away from them if they start chewing on it.